Coyote traps returning to parks

Bryan Weismiller, Calgary Herald02.15.2013

Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor of wildlife health ecology at the University of Calgary, holds a rubber-lined foot trap used in a coyote tag-and-release study set to resume in Calgary parks.
Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor of wildlife health ecology at the University of Calgary, holds a rubber-lined foot trap used in a coyote tag-and-release study set to resume in Calgary parks.Bryan Weismiller

Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor of wildlife health ecology at the University of Calgary, holds a rubber-lined foot trap used in a coyote tag-and-release study set to resume in Calgary parks.
Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor of wildlife health ecology at the University of Calgary, holds a rubber-lined foot trap used in a coyote tag-and-release study set to resume in Calgary parks.Bryan Weismiller

An urban coyote study that sees animal traps set in city parks has been given a second life.

The catch-and-release project was halted last August following an outcry on social media. On Friday, University of Calgary and city officials announced new, bigger signs were being placed in five parks in advance of next week’s relaunch.

Alessandro Massolo, assistant professor at the U of C’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was surprised by “the very bad impression” park users had in the first place.

Massolo said the study’s process hasn’t changed, but acknowledged more public disclosure was needed this time around.

“We were considered people who may harm animals,” Massolo told reporters gathered in Nose Hill Park. “This is absolutely not the case.

“I walk my dogs in these parks ... we need to study these animals, we want them to be very healthy.”

The study uses data gleaned from GPS tracking to understand urban coyote movement. Researchers also hope to learn more about parasites shared between dogs and coyotes.

In August, dog walkers lashed out against the study through an online campaign. Critics contended the signs were poorly designed, and allegations a dog had been snared at Nose Hill Park further inflamed the situation.

Massolo said at least two foot-traps will be tucked deeply in bushland and wooded spots at five parks: Nose Hill Park, Fish Creek Provincial Park, Bowmont Natural Environment Park, an area near Southland Park and Weaselhead Flats. The toothless, rubber-padded snares are covered in the daytime and activated around sunset by a trapper.

Researchers aim to tag two coyotes with solar-powered GPS collars in each of the parks. The collars send out a “text message” with details on their location every two days.

“We’re really comfortable the university has done its homework,” said Chris Manderson a natural park management specialist with the city. “It’s safe and appropriate research.”

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.